MOSCOW (Sputnik) – At least two explosions and gunfire were heard in downtown Kabul on Monday morning, local media reported.
According to the Tolo News channel, the explosions were heard in the Shar-e-Naw area. The blast was reportedly close to the Iraqi embassy in the capital.
Afghanistan is in a state of political and social turmoil, with government forces fighting the continuing Taliban insurgency. The instability has persisted in the country since the 2001 US-led invasion to defeat the Taliban and al-Qaeda in the wake of the 9/11 attacks in the United States.
© REUTERS / Mohammad IsmailAfghan security forces arrive during gun fire at the site of an attack in Kabul, Afghanistan July 31, 2017

Afghan security forces arrive during gun fire at the site of an attack in Kabul, Afghanistan July 31, 2017
The lack of control and instability turned the country into home to the largest opium poppy production and distribution network in the world.